London City Airport has been closed after a Second World War bomb was discovered in the River Thames at the nearby King George V Dock.

A 214-metre exclusion zone has been set up as a precaution by the Metropolitan Police, and roads in the area have been closed.

The bomb was found during routine check at the dock which runs alongside the airport’s runway.

Specialist Met police officers and Royal Navy technicians confirmed the nature of the device after it was discovered at 5:06 am on Sunday. The exclusion zone was implemented at 10pm the same day to ensure public safety, police said.

“Following the discovery of a world war two ordnance in King George V Dock as part of planned development works, a 214 metre exclusion zone has been implemented as a precaution by the Met police. As a result, London City airport is currently closed,” a spokesperson for the airport said.

“All passengers due to travel from London City on Monday are advised to contact their airline for further information. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport until further notice. “The airport is cooperating fully with the Met police, Royal Navy and [the] London borough of Newham.”